College of Agriculture & Natural Resources School of Packaging

Internships in the School of Packaging
Welcome to an exciting stage of your college career. The benefits of completing an internship cannot be overstated. Data consistently shows that graduates with internship experience secure full-time employment more quickly and earn higher starting salaries than those without internship experience.

Through an internship, you will gain firsthand exposure to the packaging industry and a clearer understanding of where you want to fit within it. Internships build confidence in your abilities, strengthen commitment to your chosen profession, and develop practical business awareness. The personal and professional growth gained through an internship cannot be replicated in the classroom and will position you for a successful transition from MSU into the packaging industry.

The Internship Search: A Learning Experience
While the internship itself is invaluable, the process of securing one is equally important. Interview with as many employers as possible and remain flexible regarding industry and geographic location to maximize opportunities. Approach the process with energy and professionalism - your best effort leads to the best results.

Best practices for a successful search:

• Monitor job postings daily and apply to multiple positions
• Submit polished, well-written resumes and cover letters
• Prepare thoroughly for interviews

Employers seek enthusiastic, motivated students and do not expect prior packaging experience. Your ability to communicate your background, transferable skills, work ethic, and willingness to learn is key.

Handshake is MSU’s career management platform. Your one-stop shop for all things career-related, it includes:

• On-campus job and internship positions
• Off-campus part-time, internship, and full-time postings
• On-campus interview schedules
• Career Fairs and other networking events
• Career education workshops
• Career advising/appointment scheduling
• Career exploration resources

Enrolled Students: Log in to Handshake using your MSU Net ID (Email) and Password

• Handshake FAQ’s – for students
• Note: New students obtain access to Handshake once the Registrar indicates you are an enrolled student. 
  • Fall admits – normally occurs mid-July thru early August
  • Spring admit – normally occurs mid-December through early January

Internship Statistics and Information

• Over 80% of packaging students graduate with internship experience
• Average pay rate: $22–$25 per hour
• Employers often cover relocation travel expenses; some provide housing or housing subsidies
• Internships are offered year-round, typically during: o January–June (some extend into August)
  • June–December
  • May–August

• Approximately 80% of internships last six months
• Most internships are located outside of Michigan

Employers and Industries
Internship employers range from large multinational corporations to small and mid-sized companies. Opportunities span a wide variety of industries, including:

Food • Pharmaceutical • Medical • Cosmetics • Personal Care • Consumer Goods • Automotive • Chemicals • Aerospace • Electronics • Packaging Suppliers

Positions are located across the United States, and relocation outside Michigan is common.

Rules and Regulations
To ensure fairness and ethical practices, students must follow all internship program rules. Failure to do so may result in loss of access to School and University placement services.

1. You must be officially admitted to the Packaging major
2. PKG 315, PKG 322, and PKG 323 must be completed before the internship begins
3. The internship course allows for two enrollments (two internships total)
4. Internships must be completed during the junior or senior year and are not available after graduation
5. PKG493 enrollment is required during all internships
6. Professional and ethical behavior is expected, including attending interviews, providing timely cancellations, and honoring accepted offers

If you are a graduate student, see additional requirements in the Graduate Handbook.

Graduate Handbook

How to Begin

Prepare Your Application Materials
You will need:

• Resume
• List of courses and grades
• Cover letter

Career preparation guides and workshops are available through MSU Career Services: http://careernetwork.msu.edu

Printed Career Handbooks are available in Angela Brann’s office (Room 110K, Packaging Building).

Register on Handshake
All internship postings are managed through Handshake: http://careernetwork.msu.edu

Interview Preparation

• Plan professional interview attire (a business suit is strongly recommended)
• Research each company thoroughly
• Review common interview questions
• Explore reports from past interns (available in the Reading Room, Room 120, Packaging Building)
• Send a thank-you note after every interview

Interview attire guides and interview question handouts are available online through MSU Career Services.

Interview Locations
Outside of career fairs, interviews are held at MSU Career Services at the Stadium, located on the 4th floor.

Upon arrival:

• Sign in at the designated location
• Sit in the employer’s assigned seating area
• Employers will call candidates by name at the scheduled time

Be sure to confirm your interview location in advance.

Enrollment and Course Requirements (PKG 493)

1. Notify the Placement Coordinator, Angela Brann, upon accepting an internship, and complete the Notification of Internship form
   1. mooradi7@msu.edu
   2. Application for PKG 493
2. Enrollment in PKG 493 is required for all internships
   1. Failure to enroll will result in loss of Handshake access and a Dean’s Hold
3. PKG 493 is graded Pass/No Pass
   1. To pass:
      1. Complete the full internship
      2. Receive satisfactory employer evaluations
      3. Complete all assignments
4. Enroll in regular coursework as usual. Once an internship is confirmed and an override is processed, you may add PKG 493 and adjust other classes.

Financial Aid, Loan Deferment, and Insurance
Students enrolled in PKG 493 are coded as full-time equivalent for loan deferment and health insurance purposes.

For financial aid questions, contact the MSU Financial Aid Office, as federal credit requirements may impact eligibility.

You Got an Internship—Now What?

• Complete and submit the Notification of Internship form
  • https://www.canr.msu.edu/packaging/career/information_for_students/index
• Once approved, your academic advisor will notify you when enrollment is completed
• Coordinate housing with your employer or current interns
• Complete required coursework via D2L (during semester of enrollment)

Be prepared for some upfront expenses (e.g., housing deposits, utilities, professional attire). Travel expenses are typically reimbursed after your start date.

Program Questions
For questions about career fairs, resumes, or internship opportunities, contact: